by TJ Viola
Danny was preoccupied with how to tell his dad about the future and the technical problems he had been experiencing—unaware of the shroud of silence that had engulfed them both. He was abruptly brought back to the present when his dad reached over and removed the fly rod from his hand. He hadn’t performed a cast in several minutes and the rod was slipping from his grip.
“I remember a time when we found it easy to talk. Have these years of separation taken that away as well?”
“Sorry, Dad. I have a lot on my mind and it’s difficult to let go and relax.”
“You know, son, when you’re ready to let me know what is happening to you and Crystal, I’ll be ready to listen.”
At first Danny was startled by his dad’s statement, but then he just inwardly smiled realizing that his dad probably had relived all that had happened often and had reached some logical explanation. But certainly, not the one he was about to reveal.
“Actually, Dad, I need to talk now. It’s why I came home. I need your help. I need your advice, but most of all, I’m going to need your understanding and trust.”
“Understanding I can give. Help, now that’s another issue. I suspect your research efforts have gone far beyond my capabilities.”
Danny really didn’t hear his dad’s last comment; he was concentrating all his efforts on how to begin.
“Do you remember the day I came home after the big algebra test?”
“Sure, how could I forget? You caused quite a stir.”
“I knew everyone would be shocked and I needed to find a way to explain my new knowledge, so I purposely led you to the conclusion that I was using sleep learning.”
“To be perfectly honest, son, I’m not surprised. You transformed overnight in almost every aspect of your life. I didn’t know then, nor do I know now, how this was possible, but after a while I suspected it wasn’t by sleep learning.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“It sounded reasonable. Your teachers believed it, and it relieved you of a lot of pressure. So, I pretended to believe it as well.”
Danny just sat still looking into his father’s eyes, subconsciously trying to find the source of such wisdom.
“Dad, this next question is going to seem strange, but do you believe in extraterrestrial life?”
There was little hesitation in his response. “We have searched for many years to find evidence of life on other planets without success. But I also know that Earth is just a speck of sand in a never-ending Universe. Yes, I believe we’re not alone.”
With renewed confidence Danny continued. “Actually, the Universe is teeming with life, most of which is more advanced in every conceivable aspect,” Danny said in a soft voice.
Staring across the lake, Danny waited for his father’s reaction, not knowing what to expect, hoping he could share his secret. His dad also looked off into the distance, praying his son would finally explain the mysteries of the past, but he wasn’t sure he was ready for such an explanation.
“Son, how can you be so certain? How can you be so sure life exists elsewhere?”
They both realized they had arrived at a critical juncture and it was Danny’s turn to take the next step. “I’m certain because I’m able to communicate telepathically with beings from another civilization. They have been providing me with the abilities I currently have, many you’re not even aware of.”
The silence that followed could have filled the vacuum of space and time as his dad absorbed the enormity of what his son had just revealed. Amazingly, he never for a moment doubted the truth of Danny’s revelation.
“Danny, this is absolutely unbelievable. The opportunities this presents are astronomical. Everything here on Earth will change: all the self-destruction, the power struggles and international conflicts will just vaporize. We will become one people, one planet competing among many for our place in the new scheme of things.”
“Dad, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but do you really understand what I’ve just said? I’m hearing voices in my head and these voices are coming from another planet. I also left out one small detail: they live in the future.”
“Would you be happier if I suggested you see a psychoanalyst? Danny, I saw the abrupt changes you experienced. I saw the video disc. I believe in extraterrestrial life and I know you’re not crazy.”
Danny was caught off guard and turned aggressively toward his dad. “What disc?”
“You don’t know about the disc? Shortly after you were attacked at your research facility, Homeland Security came to see me and asked a lot of strange questions about your martial arts training. When I told them you never had any formal training as a teenager, they showed me an amazing video disc. Even though they must have reviewed the same scene a hundred times, we all stared in disbelief. Never had I seen anyone move so fast with so much skill.”
Danny’s immediate concern was that Rolo and Bounce were also on the electronic surveillance.
“Was anyone else, any of my team members, on the disc?”
“No. It wasn’t very long, just a few seconds. All the surveillance discs were destroyed in the blast except for this one, and only a small portion of the disc was recoverable.”
“How did you react to what you saw?”
“It took me a few seconds to gather my thoughts; I did my best to hide my amazement and come up with the only explanation possible. I told them what I’ve been saying for years, sleep learning, but I knew differently. I really didn’t understand how you could have obtained such capabilities. Now, it all makes some sense.”
Danny was concerned he would reveal more than he should if his father continued to ask questions, so he tried to refocus the discussion on his current research.
“Dad, I can’t reveal much more other than we’re working on developing a new space weapon and that time is critical. The problem is we’re not making progress fast enough.”
“I suspect you’re not telling me quite a bit and I certainly have a ton of questions, but I’ll respect your wishes and, of course, I’ll help in any way I can.”
“I’m working on a new laser device. Actually, it’s not a laser; it’s more like a Gaser. Some would call it a Graser.”
“So, you’re using gamma rays. A lot of scientists from many different nations have tried and failed. What makes you so sure you can succeed when so many have not?”
“Let me just say I know it’s possible and it should be relatively easy to invent if you have the right materials.”
“I won’t ask you how you know this; I’ll just assume it’s correct. So, tell me, what’s the problem?”
“The main problem is that I’m just out of ideas and I think the stress of the last twenty years has taken a toll.”
“Based on what you’ve told me, that’s quite understandable. But we both know that a great researcher learns to isolate his personal life from his professional pursuits. Your creativity is directly proportional to your ability to concentrate all your energy on the research. Well, that’s enough lecturing; tell me what you have so far and some of the alternatives under investigation.”
Hearing these last few words cleared Danny’s mind, making him more receptive to his surroundings, as he realized he was no longer talking to his father but a respected colleague.
“We have been able to generate gamma emission in a ruby rod doped with uranium +3.”
“How are you pumping in enough energy to create a metastable state?”
“We’re using high-intensity lasers. Before you say it’s impossible, we have found a way to also dope the crystal with hafnium, HaF.”
“Okay, what you’re saying is you have progressed further than any other research effort in a relatively short period of time. Danny, you don’t need my help. You just need to regain your confidence and realize you are the greatest research scientist that has ever existed. Perhaps, given what you’ve told me, I should qualify that statement with ‘on Earth.’”
As his father broke out in a broad grin,
Danny laughed heartily, breaking the shroud of doubt that had surrounded him for so long.
“Not bad for a country boy from Wyoming.”
“I agree, not bad, but it sounds like you have a lot more to accomplish, so let’s get back to the business at hand. How are you reflecting the gamma energy along the crystal axis to generate simultaneous coherent emissions?”
“That’s where we’re stumped. We haven’t found a way to reflect the gamma rays back and forth inside the crystal until sufficient energy can be released in a coherent wave.”
“What have you tried so far?”
“Every metal and metal oxide known to man. The best results were obtained with aluminum, aluminum oxide, lead, and lead oxide.”
“Well, then, I would suggest you continue to evaluate all possible combinations of aluminum and lead to create a reflective crystal lattice that will also allow the coherent gamma rays to be emitted above a desired threshold level. That’s about all the advice I can give right now without having more information and being an actual member of your team.”
Danny smiled at his father’s veiled proposal, not sure if he was joking or serious.
“Thanks for the offer, Dad, but I need you where you are. When we perfect the Gaser, I will need you to outfit every craft in your fleet as quickly as possible.”
“That should be relatively easy since we already have high-power lasers in each craft. When we get back to the house, I’ll give you the dimensions of the space available so you can design the Gaser accordingly.”
“There is one last detail. I will need you to install shielding against radioactive radiation and high-energy, high-impact projectiles. Unfortunately, I’m not prepared at this time to specify any details with regard to the type of material required.”
Gazing across the lake, Danny’s father became pensive, picked up a few small rocks, and began tossing them into the lake, one after the other. As he watched the concentric rings of water spread farther away from the point of impact, he realized at that instant the lake was forever altered, just as his life had been altered by his son’s words.
“Son, are you telling me I need to prepare my fleet to fight against aliens who have Gaser-type weapons?”
“We will be invaded; they will have deadly weapons. Fortunately, they won’t have the Gaser; nevertheless, they will be formidable. You need to have spacecrafts capable of engaging an enemy in deep space. These crafts must be highly maneuverable, fast, and their firepower deadly accurate.” Danny paused, then said, “Dad, I have another request. I need to be trained to fly your spacecrafts.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. As we design the crafts we simultaneously design a simulator for flight training and engagement. I’ll have one shipped to your facility when the designs are final. I intend to be proficient myself.”
The rest of the day was spent in silence fishing, both reflecting on the unusual conversation they had as father and son, as scientist to scientist.
Danny’s dad believed everything his son had revealed and was overwhelmed with its enormity. His mind was ablaze with new thoughts: mankind, no he could no longer refer to mankind, Earthlings were not alone, no longer the dominant species. He started thinking philosophically, wondering if they were now part of a universal landscape where survival of the fittest also reigned supreme, or would they become a part of a larger community living in peace and harmony? Unfortunately, it was apparent from his son’s comments the former was true and Earth would soon become part of a universal struggle. A struggle they were woefully unprepared to participate in.
As Danny sat in silence, his body and mind began to relax. The sun was reflecting off the water’s surface, bathing him in Mother Nature’s warmth. The sound of the wind brushing by the tops of the swaying pines penetrated the deepest recesses of his mind. The sudden hatching of mayflies breaking the water’s surface tension, sparkling in the reflected sunlight, added to the tranquility. All had a calming effect, allowing him to reflect on everything he and his father had shared.
Suddenly, his mind exploded with images of subatomic structures, of gamma photons rapidly moving back and forth inside the crystal, and then bursting through the surface in a coherent beam with indescribable energy. He instantly became excited and animated as he stood and stared at the lake’s surface. Startled by his son’s sudden reaction, Danny’s dad also stood.
“Danny, what’s going on?”
“I have the answer. I know how to build the Gaser!”
“I don’t understand. You just told me you were at a loss.”
“It was the mayflies! The image of them breaking the surface, together with your advice to investigate the lattice structure, triggered a chain reaction in my mind. It was like a kaleidoscope of images coming together, as if I became a gamma particle within the crystal subatomic structure. I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but I know how to make the Gaser work.”
“Then, you and Crystal need to get back to your research, now!”
Danny pushed the silver button on his wrist phone, which set up a secure link to Bridge’s phone. “Bridge, pick us up. We need to get back as soon as possible. How long will it take?”
“You’ve never been out of our sight. An escort team is converging now to take you and Crystal back to Cheyenne Mountain.”
As he spoke, the woods came alive with activity as a squad of Special Forces commandos converged upon Danny and his dad.
Danny called Crystal next. “Crystal, Bridge is coming for us. Tell Mom that the government is coming to pick us up. I don’t want her to freak out.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late. The helicopters are landing, but don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s okay. What happened?”
“I know how to build a Gaser!”
Chapter 32
Government Deception
Y olan was alone in the control room monitoring Danny’s thoughts. She was impressed with the honesty and obvious love he shared with his father. While listening and staring at the monitor, her mind drifted and even though her outward appearance gave the impression she was hard at work, in reality, she was deep into her own thoughts.
She recalled how excited she felt many years ago when Zeiss asked her to join his team as second-in-command. Initially she had little faith that his plan for saving Earth would succeed, but after making contact with Danny, she became a believer. The years of observing how Earthlings were attracted to each other stirred emotions that Grillion society had suppressed for generations, and she hoped that Zeiss was feeling the same. Maybe, just maybe, Zeiss would begin to find her attractive as a woman and not just for her intellectual prowess. As reality would have it, nothing had changed. There was the same politeness, the same formality with not even a glance or hint of any feelings toward her. On the other hand, she was near him; he did respect her abilities, relied on her judgment, and often listened to her counsel. So, the years passed and she was content, until, that is, Titch stole him away and shattered her dreams.
Danny’s thoughts were exploding on the monitor, bringing Yolan back to reality. At first, she didn’t comprehend what she was observing, but soon she realized Danny was experiencing a rare moment of cerebral overload, which she knew often led to incredible new insights. She immediately sounded the emergency alarm, bringing everyone to the control room in various stages of disarray. As each team member entered the room and saw the cascading avalanche of raw thoughts flashing across the monitor, they instinctively knew they were witnessing something never seen before, giving them all a feeling of participating in some type of religious experience.
Zeiss was the first to speak, as he gently put his hand on Yolan’s shoulder.
“Yolan, what are we seeing? It’s all changing so rapidly.”
“I believe Danny is having an insight into how the Gaser operates. Danny is visualizing the subatomic structure of the ruby crystal. He is ‘physically’ inside the crystal, he is a gamma particle, and he is the reflector. He is all these things and much more. Danny und
erstands how it all works, how it should work. Zeiss, Danny now knows how to build the Gaser!”
Zeiss and Yolan stood together, both in awe of what they were witnessing. For the first time, Yolan felt his aura intermingling with hers, a feeling she had waited many years to experience. As she was savoring the moment, Titch entered the room and Yolan’s sense of intimacy with Zeiss ended abruptly. Zeiss’s attention was drawn to Titch as she came to stand by his side. It was clear to everyone that the feelings they shared for each other ran deep as their auras emitted a soft glow visible for all to see.
Zeiss recognized that Titch’s entrance created an awkward moment and tried to shift the focus back to Danny. “Mylo, I want you and Yolan to analyze these images and determine if Danny’s sudden burst of insight can indeed lead him to develop the Gaser. The rest of you should get back to your work and keep me informed of any new developments. The Ammagans have been uncharacteristically innocuous of late.”
As he finished giving his orders, he slowly turned to Titch and gave her a barely perceptible smile—a smile that was easily perceived by Yolan.
“Sir,” Yolan said, “if you don’t mind, I need some rest. I’m confident that Rolo and Titch can proceed without my assistance.”
“Very well, Yolan, get some rest. You deserve it.”
Returning to her quarters, Yolan was more distraught than ever. She wasn’t sure if she could continue to endure the constant torment of seeing Zeiss and Titch together while she pathetically waited for scraps of recognition he so seldom tossed her way. The only reason she had stayed this long was for the sake of Danny and Crystal. They had become an integral part of her life, but her heart was breaking and the pain was beginning to become truly unbearable. She was feeling human, a sensation that had been discarded by her society for the sake of equality. A feeling that she had been absorbing from years of monitoring Danny’s world.